HALE‘IWA — Kamehameha Schools announced that Guava Shop and Clark Little Gallery Hale‘iwa – two reputable North Shore-grown businesses – recently signed agreements with the educational institution to set up shop at the Hale‘iwa Store Lots, expected to open this winter.

Owners of the Guava Shop have been operating the niche boutique, selling stylish swimwear and dresses, next door to their future home since 2008. They have expressed great excitement to move into their new space encompassing 951 square feet at the forefront of the redevelopment.

“We’re so excited to be front-and-center along Kamehameha Highway and on the main entry drive and to be able to design our own space. To be located at the new Hale‘iwa Store Lots is a great opportunity to grow our business,” said Kai Cost, co-owner of Guava Shop. “This is our home town. We grew up here and this is where we want to be.”

Known for his unique, award-winning shorebreak photography, Clark Little will open his new Hale‘iwa gallery by the end of this year. Little, a local boy who grew up playing in the Waimea shorebreak, has exhibited his photographs in galleries and museums throughout the world, including the Smithsonian Museum. Within just a few months, locals and visitors will get to view Little’s work in his new 834 square foot gallery space in the new redeveloped property.

“As my business continues to grow, the new location is a great fit for all that is coming up,” said Little. “The gallery is just minutes down the road from where my shots are taken. Not only is this my hometown, but this is where it all began. I have to add, I grew up eating shave ice at Matsumoto's. Hard to believe I will be just a few doors down in the same Store Lots."

Construction of the community revitalization project is expected to be completed in October, at which time Kamehameha Schools will hand over the keys to business owners who will then begin preparing their spaces for a Hale‘iwa Store Lots grand opening planned for early next year.

“Energy created by locally-owned retail businesses like Guava Shop and Clark Little Galleries will definitely help elevate the vibrancy that the other businesses bring to this place,” said Kalani Fronda, senior land assets manager at Kamehameha Schools.

Designed to honor the historic plantation era, the $16 million project will continue to reflect the true country spirit of the region while generating income for the Schools’ statewide educational initiatives.

“As part of our North Shore Plan, Kamehameha Schools is committed to improving this important kuleana(property) in a manner that supports the community’s vision to retain Haleiwa’s 2 country character while revitalizing a highly visible and valued community asset so it can continue to support our educational mission for generations to come,” Fronda said.

Upon completion, Hale‘iwa Store Lots will feature the reuse of five historic buildings; two central gathering courtyards; public restrooms; 95 parking stalls at the rear of the project; and walkways and landscaping that provide a comfortable and safe strolling path for pedestrians which will be buffered from vehicles.

For more information about Kamehameha Schools’ national award winning North Shore Plan, please visit www.ksbe.edu/nsplan